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WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY What Is a Gas Detection Wearable? Here are five frequently asked questions about connected safety technology. BY ANNE OSBOURN one that comes with cellular connectivity through national networks—but also a comprehensive solution inclusive of hardware and software. Through this combination of cellular connectivity and hardware that is connected to software, connected devices can provide real-time data to help gather insights to help drive adaptable, proactive safety programs. This connectivity transforms hardware from traditional PPE to a technology-based, future-forward solution. Successful integration of this advanced technology requires that not only are devices smarter and capable of providing visibility and insights to help curb risk, boost productivity and simplify compliance but also that they continue to perform with the durability and Image courtesy of MSA Safety functionality to maintain their first and foremost mission of helping to protect the worker. As a wearable device, the detector should maintain the IP rating, sensor technology and battery life expected of industry-leading portable gas detectors. A wearable device that comes with automatic connectivity The number of workplace injuries remains largely right out of the box allows for quick and seamless implementation, unchanged year-over-year, with 2.6 million to 2.84 million nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses reported by with no IT required. private industry employers each year from 2017 to 2021. 1 Up to 90 percent of serious workplace injuries and accidents can be 3. How Can Connected Wearables Boost Worker Safety? attributed to human error.2 Lone workers are one group that could benefit from wearable While PPE has not had the technological capabilities to connected technology. The most common industries for lone workers include oil and gas, telecommunications, utilities and help prevent worker injury due to human error, the latest safety innovations, such as gas detection wearables, can help provide construction. With wearable devices, safety managers can help visibility and data-driven insights to help organizations create ensure these lone workers are not completely alone; safety managers can help make sure those workers are protected with an adaptable, proactive safety program and establish a culture of behavior-based safety. Connected, wearable products are one of real-time alerts. By digitally assigning a wearable device to the technologies leading the way for gas detection programs to each worker at the start of each shift, safety managers can gain insight into key individual worker data including: compliance evolve and enhance both their approach to worker safety and their approach to record-keeping, compliance and fleet management. with device use and faulty safety behaviors, including turning off an instrument or changing settings; workers’ locations, gas Transforming your organization to a connected program does readings and alarms; safety behaviors in the field, and whether to not happen overnight. The first step is understanding the benefits of wearable technology and how a connected program can work implement new training for specific to individuals A connected work program for gas detection can also provide for your organization. Let’s review some top questions. the visibility that is needed to manage large teams of workers 1. What is a Gas Detection Wearable? and help establish a behavior-based culture of safety. Connected hardware and software solutions can provide real-time data A gas detection wearable is designed to be worn by all individual such as worker location and certain aspects of how the detector workers, on their persons, while on the job site. Workers— especially lone workers in oil and gas, telecommunications, is being used by each worker—which can all help inform safety training to both drive worker safety day-to-day and enhance an utilities and construction industries and industrial contractors— organization’s safety culture over time. can simply clip the device directly to apparel or other PPE to receive certain critical gas readings and evacuation alerts for their location. 4. How Can Wearables Improve Worksite Safety? It can be difficult to manage assets across different worksites and keep remote teams safe and productive. Connecting 2. What Does “Connected” Mean for Gas Detection? worksites with wearable, connected technology can give safety A wearable gas detector that comes with automatic connectivity can be much more impactful in terms of driving transformation, managers visibility into; teams and assets, including worker efficiency and reaching long-term safety and productivity goals of position and activities and which devices require maintenance; external and environmental factors, such as temperature or a gas detection program. The term “connected” not only means a connected device— humidity; equipment status, maintenance and asset management 44 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2023 www.ohsonline.com